CN103201037A

CN103201037A - Fluid connector devices and methods of making and using the same

Info

Publication number: CN103201037A
Application number: CN2011800462537A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M.巴勒; C.任施; V.桑珀
Original assignee: General Electric Co
Current assignee: General Electric Co
Priority date: 2010-07-27
Filing date: 2011-07-27
Publication date: 2013-07-10
Anticipated expiration: 2031-07-27
Also published as: EP2598243A1; US20120025521A1; WO2012015856A1; CN103201037B; BR112013001943A2; US8961906B2; JP2013533493A

Abstract

A fluid connector device (10) is provided. The fluid connector device includes a coupling substrate (12) having a conformal recess (20), a reconnectable fitting (18) disposed in the recess to provide a first passageway, and a force applying element (16) operatively coupled to the reconnectable fitting (18), or the coupling substrate (12), or both the reconnectable fitting (18) and the coupling substrate (12) to at least partially provide a sealing force between the reconnectable fitting (18) and the coupling substrate (12), wherein at least one of the force applying element (16), the reconnectable fitting (18), and the coupling substrate (12) comprises one or more degrees of freedom for self alignment of the reconnectable fitting (18) and the conformal recess (12).

Description

Fluid connector device and production and preparation method thereof

Technical field

Embodiments of the invention relate to the minisize fluid device such as microfluidic device, and more specifically, relate to for the fluid connector of fluid being introduced the minisize fluid device.

Background technology

Typically, microfluidic device adopts the chamber network that connects by the microchannel.Microchannel and chamber can have mesoscale to the minute yardstick size.Microfluidic device provides various advantages when being used for analytical applications, comprise the ability of using the small sample size.For example, the sample size that is used for microfluidic device can belong to millimicro-liter magnitude.

Advantageously, microfluidic device can be with lower cost production, and can carry out many specific operations, comprises mixing, distribution, reaction and detect.But, with being a kind of challenge in fluid sample and the reagent introducing microfluidic device, especially when needs are repeatedly imported.For example, in chip lab is set, micro-fluid chip need be connected to the input and output interface.With micro-fluid chip or the microchannel in the chip is connected to other input and/or output interface can brings problem owing to the small size of microchannel (typically width or diameter from several microns to tens of or hundreds of microns scope).In addition, may be difficult to for example input unit be aimed at undersized microchannel.In addition, some input units, for example liquid chromatograph can be difficult to prevent leak at high pressure operation and when using this type of input unit.

Past be used for microfluidic device each other interface and comprise with the ordinary skill of extraneous interface the port of pipeline on microfluidic device of the certain-length of input and/or output device is combined.Usually, use is combined the port of this pipeline on microfluidic device such as the proper adhesive of epoxy resin.But adhesive is used in conjunction with being not suitable for many chemical analyses, and this is impurity can be introduced chemical example because be used for the solvent of combination.In addition, be used for solvent erodable (attack) adhesive of combination, this can cause the separation of pipeline, the pollution that passage stopped up and/or be transported to sample and/or the reagent of microfluidic device.In addition,, reduce thus and have the possibility of reconfigurable device in conjunction with permanent combination is provided such as the adhesive of epoxy resin combination.For example, permanent combination is feasible to be difficult to change member under the situation of needs, i.e. microfluidic device or pipeline.Therefore, the assembling of this type of device, R and M become labor intensive and time, when microfluidic device is used for such as the high yield screening of the sample of medicament research and development or therein during the useful research environment of the reconfigurability of interface arrangement, this is undesirable especially feature.

In order to overcome with adhesive in conjunction with relevant problem, the past has proposed other technology, for example, pipeline is press fitted in the port on the microfluidic device.But this connection typically is not suitable for the high-voltage applications such as the high-pressure liquid chromatography analysis.And this type of connection has very low tolerance levels.Especially, very low tolerance levels has been brought challenge in the system that adopts a plurality of connectors (i.e. upwards expansion (scale up)) for device.And this type of connection needs high sealing power; These high sealing power may cause the micro-fluid chip cracking sometimes.

Other method comprises that the outside induction system of utilization such as pipette inserts the liquid into opening in the port on the microfluidic device.In these methods, be connected typically by means of little pipette tips with port on the microfluidic device.But this technology also is undesirable owing to the possibility that can cause the leakage of pollution and overflow.In addition, fluid is carried dispersedly rather than is carried continuously.In addition, the open liquid technology of moving is not allowed carrying the use elevated pressure such as the fluid of the conveying of being undertaken by pump, has further retrained the applicability of microfluidic device thus.

Therefore, have the needs to a kind of improved fluid connector device for microfluidic device, its be used for the different application of microfluidic device and provide effectively, the sealing of high pressure, low fluid dead volume.

Summary of the invention

In one embodiment, provide a kind of fluid connector device.This fluid connector device comprises the connection substrate (substrate) that limits suitable shape (conformal) recess and is configured in the suitable shape recess so that the reconnected accessory of path to be provided.In addition, this fluid connector device comprises force application element, it operationally is connected to can reconnect accessory or connect substrate and maybe can reconnects in accessory and the connection substrate, can reconnect accessory and the sealing force that connects between the substrate to be provided at least in part, wherein force application element, can reconnect accessory and connect in the substrate at least one comprise for self aligned one or more frees degree that can reconnect accessory and suitable shape recess.

In another embodiment, provide a kind of fluid connector assembly.This assembly comprises the connection substrate with first surface and second surface.Connect substrate and limit one or more suitable shape recesses at first surface.In addition, this assembly comprises one or more accessories that reconnect, and it is configured in the suitable shape recess at least in part, being provided at microfluidic device and the path that can reconnect between the accessory, feasiblely can reconnecting accessory and is communicated with the microfluidic device fluid.In addition, this assembly comprises force application element, it is provided at least in part can reconnect accessory or connect substrate and maybe can reconnects accessory and connect substrate sealing force between the two, wherein force application element, can reconnect accessory and connect in the substrate at least one have for self aligned one or more frees degree that can reconnect accessory and suitable shape recess.This assembly also comprises the supporting structure relevant with the force application element operation.

In another embodiment, provide a kind of for introducing to microfluidic device and/or extracting the adapter tackling (kit) of fluid from it.This adapter tackling comprises the connection substrate with first surface and second surface.First surface limits suitable shape recess.This adapter tackling also comprises the reconnected accessory that is configured in the recess with first path that is provided for one or more fluid lines.This adapter tackling also comprises force application element, it is provided at least in part can reconnect accessory or connect substrate and maybe can reconnects accessory and connect substrate sealing force between the two, and wherein force application element, can reconnect accessory and connect in the substrate at least one have for self aligned one or more frees degree that can reconnect accessory and suitable shape recess.

Description of drawings

When describing in detail below reading with reference to the accompanying drawings, these and other feature of the present invention, aspect and advantage will become better understood, and same Reference numeral is represented same part in whole accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is the sectional view according to the fluid connector device of the embodiment of the technology of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is the sectional view according to the method that is used for assembling fluid connector device of the embodiment of the technology of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is the perspective view according to the part of the reconnected accessory of the embodiment of the technology of the present invention;

Fig. 4-the 8th is according to the difform example that reconnects accessory that has of the embodiment of the technology of the present invention;

Fig. 9-the 12nd is according to the sectional view of the fluid connector device of the embodiment of the technology of the present invention;

Figure 13 is according to the employing U-shaped bend of the embodiment of the technology of the present invention sectional view as the example of the fluid connector device of force application element;

Figure 14 is that employing U-shaped bend according to the embodiment of the technology of the present invention is as the fluid connector device of force application element and the sectional view of square supporting structure;

Figure 15 has the sectional view of a part of fluid connector device of connection substrate that the admittance of being defined for can reconnect a plurality of suitable shape recess of accessory;

Figure 16 is the top view of part of the fluid connector device of Figure 15;

Figure 17 connects substrate, can reconnect the perspective view of example of the fluid connector assembly of accessory and biasing member according to the employing of the embodiment of the technology of the present invention; And

Figure 18 be according to the embodiment of the technology of the present invention be used for introduce and/or extract the sectional view of the adapter tackling of fluid from it to microfluidic device.

The specific embodiment

The present invention relates to for to introducing such as the fluid means of little manufacturing of microfluidic device or extracting the microfluid interconnection device of fluid (liquid or gas) from it.In a particular embodiment, the fluid connector device plays the work of microfluid interconnection device in order to introduce to microfluidic device or to extract fluid from it.The fluid connector device can be used for microfluidic device each other interface or with other fluid components and system interface such as, but not limited to pump, filter, syringe, aerosol gatherer, flow cytometry and chemical analyzer.In one embodiment, the fluid connector device can be connected at least one fluid line on the corresponding port of microfluidic device.

In certain embodiments, the fluid connector device can be used for synthetic or analysis operation.As described in detail below, the technology of the present invention provides some advantages, and it is used for using microfluidic device to carry out chemical analysis or synthetic.In an example, analysis or synthetic operation can be carried out also at the minute yardstick device and can apply high pressure.

Advantageously, fluid connector device of the present invention is easy to assembly and disassembly, and the upwards flexibility of expansion is provided.Desirable, the fluid connector device can be made in the rapid prototyping design environment.In addition, the small size of this fluid connector device helps millimeter and the submillimeter yardstick channel interface with fluid connector device and microfluidic device.In addition, this fluid connector device is desirable to comprise self aligned jockey, and it is suitable for having the independent microchip assembly of definite cooperation density (or port density).

In one embodiment, this fluid connector device provides fluid and gas-tight seal, its face of roughly striding fluid line extends, and makes fluid dead volume between the port of the end of fluid line and microfluidic device thus, namely the zone of shortage fluid minimizes between flush period.Therefore, adopt the microfluidic device of the fluid connector device of the technology of the present invention repeatedly to be used for identical or different reagent, reduce or eliminate the error due to the pollution simultaneously.In addition, because the fluid dead volume relevant with face seal is obviously littler, therefore the possibility of the cross pollution between the various samples during analyzing reduces greatly or eliminates.And, by adopting low fluid dead volume, reduced bacterium or other contaminants associated growth.

The fluid connector device of the technology of the present invention does not adopt adhesive.Advantageously, do not use adhesive that the fluid connector device can be attached on the microfluidic device assembly removedly.In addition, this fluid connector device provides and can easily remove and reusable low cost, high-pressure sealing ring.In addition, this fluid connector device has the little area of coverage, thereby allows repeatedly to connect in very little zone, keeps microminiaturized advantage thus.

In certain embodiments, this fluid connector device comprises the connection substrate with first surface and second surface, and wherein this connection substrate can limit one or more suitable shape recesses.In one embodiment, connecting substrate can be the device substrate.In other words, connecting substrate can be microfluidic device (for example micro-fluid chip), and suitable shape recess can be formed in the microfluidic device.

This fluid connector device also comprises the reconnected accessory (that is, this accessory engages substrate around suitable shape recess and/or in it) that is engaged in the suitable shape recess, so that first path of the corresponding port that leads to the device substrate to be provided.Can reconnect accessory be configured to from suitable shape recess really allocation move away (displacement) at least in part and be configured in again afterwards in the suitable shape recess.For example, can reconnect accessory and can after suitable shape recess ejects at least in part, be configured in the position of determining of fitting the shape recess again in installing operating period.In one embodiment, one or more fluid lines are configurable in path so that fluid or gas can externally install and microfluidic device between shift.In another embodiment, this path itself is used in transfering fluid or gas between external device (ED) and the microfluidic device.That is, in this embodiment, can not need the additional fluid pipeline realize that fluid or gas externally install and microfluidic device between transfer.

In one embodiment, suitable shape recess can not be pre-formed in connecting substrate before admittance can reconnect accessory.In this embodiment, the material that connects substrate can be configured to admit can reconnect accessory in the material yield that brings out of experience heat or pressure.That is, be compressed against when connecting in the substrate when reconnecting accessory, connect substrate in admitting the zone that can reconnect accessory and the surrender around this zone can form and fits the shape recess.The suitable shape recess of Xing Chenging can have and the sealing that seals fluid that can reconnect accessory like this.The material yield that experience heat or pressure brought out when in another embodiment, the material that can reconnect accessory can be configured in being configured in suitable shape recess.

Advantageously, this fluid connector device can tolerate high pressure, keeps low dead volume simultaneously.In an example, the seal that seals fluid that is provided by the fluid connector device can be configured to tolerate the pressure that surpasses 1000 bar.In the operating period of device, if can reconnect the position displacement of accessory from determining, for example shift out suitable shape recess at least in part, or disengaging and the restriction recess of substrate or contacting of the part around recess, then may cause from micro-fluid chip and spray or the leakage of the fluid of extraction.In certain embodiments, can reconnect the accessory constructions cost and move away autoregistration in suitable shape recess under the situation of definite position in it, prevent this type of leakage thus.Can reconnect accessory and can closely be engaged in the suitable shape recess, make the major part that is configured in the outer wall of fitting the part in the shape recess that can reconnect accessory contact with the inwall of recess.

Suitable shape recess maybe can reconnect accessory or suitable shape recess and can reconnect the accessory both and can experience elasticity or plastic deformation, can reconnect accessory and the sealing that connects between the substrate to provide.In an example, only suitable shape recess can experience distortion, for example strain.In another example, suitable shape recess and can reconnect the accessory both and can experience distortion.In this example, suitable shape recess can experience strain, and can reconnect accessory and can experience plastic deformation.

The material that can reconnect accessory and connection substrate can be selected based on the value of distortion of materials characteristic (elasticity or plastic deformation) or temperature and pressure and the type of fluid that the fluid connector device can be exposed to.The material that connects substrate and/or can reconnect accessory is configured to experience at least part of distortion.In certain embodiments, the material that connects substrate and/or can reconnect accessory can comprise glass, metal, semiconductor, pottery, polymer or its combination.The material that is used for the connection substrate can be such, namely makes one or more suitable shape recesses can be formed in the connection substrate or by connecting substrate and limits.The material that connects substrate can be selected based on the easiness that forms the expectation recess shapes in base material.For example, compare with metallic substrates or the semiconductor-based end or such as the ceramic bases of substrate of glass, can in polymeric substrates, form taper or convergent recess easilier.The polymer that is used for connecting substrate and/or can reconnecting accessory can be flexible polymer or hard polymer.Flexible polymer refers to the elastomeric-type material, such as, but not limited to dimethyl silicone polymer, hexafluoropropene (HFP) and vinylidene fluoride (VDF or VF ₂) copolymer, tetrafluoroethene (TFE), vinylidene fluoride (VDF) and hexafluoropropene (HFP) terpolymer, perfluoro methyl vinyl ether (PMVE), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber and such as the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) of ELASTRON and THERMOLAST.Hard polymer refer to such as polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK), polypropylene, poly-(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polyethylene, olefin copolymer (for example, TOPAS), modified ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene fluoropolymer (ETFE) (for example, TEFZEL), PEI (for example, ULTEM), cyclic olefine copolymer materials such as (COC).

In certain embodiments, suitable shape recess or the shape that limits the substrate of this recess can comprise the convergent geometry.The shape of this recess can comprise receivability can reconnect accessory and with can reconnect accessory and form any convergent geometry of leakproof seal.The non-limiting instance that is used for the convergent geometry of suitable shape recess can comprise conical in shape, parabolic shape, trapezoidal shape, pyramidal shape, semi-spherical shape, drum or its combination.Can form suitable shape recess by any conventional art according to the material that connects substrate.In an example, be under the situation of polymer at the material that connects substrate, suitable shape recess can form by drilling, milling, impression, molded or turning.

The same with suitable shape recess, accessory can be reconnected and the convergent geometry can be comprised, such as, but not limited to conical in shape, parabolic shape, trapezoidal shape, pyramidal shape, semi-spherical shape, drum or its combination, or form any other geometry of leakproof seal with the convergent geometry of suitable shape recess (or around the recess or limit the substrate of recess).Have at accessory under the situation of conical in shape, accessory can be standard taper accessory.Commercially available or the customization of accessory.In one embodiment, accessory can be substituted by the pipeline with tapered ends (for example, capillary) or the external fluid groove (for example, reagent accumulator tank, reactive tank, fluid transfer groove) with tapered ends.In an example, standard taper accessory can be commercially available PEEK 10-32 accessory.In another embodiment, can reconnect accessory can be by being processed into.Processing allows to use according to the operating condition of expection the material of wide region, comprises plastics, pottery and metal.In an example, the geometry that can reconnect accessory and suitable shape recess can form self-locking mechanism.

In one embodiment, the size of the tapered ends of suitable shape recess can be less than the size that can reconnect accessory.In this embodiment, suitable shape recess can reconnect the accessory collapse owing to reconnecting the direct butt of compression stress that forms when accessory is pushed in the suitable shape recess at the wall at tapered ends place.In one embodiment, the collapse of suitable shape recess or distortion can prevent that fluid line from extruding from reconnecting accessory during operation with high pressure.And substrate can provide the sealing that seals fluid in the distortion at suitable shape recess place.In another embodiment, can reconnect accessory can be connected in the substrate removedly at suitable shape recess place or around it.In this embodiment, the suitable shape recess part of surrounding the tapered ends that can reconnect accessory can experience strain.In one embodiment, can reconnect accessory can do tightly so that sealing to be provided with finger in suitable shape recess.In another embodiment, can utilize linear actuators can reconnect accessory is pressed in the suitable shape recess.In one embodiment, can need the power of about 50N that the sealing that can tolerate at least about the minimum pressure of 1000 bar is provided.

Alternatively, suitable shape recess and/or the be configured to convergent geometry that is configured in the reconnected accessory in the suitable shape recess can comprise surfaction.Surfaction can exist in the part of the suitable shape recess that can reconnect accessory and/or convergent geometry or whole surface.Be not pre-formed among the embodiment that is connecting in the substrate at suitable shape recess, connect substrate, estimate admitting the part of being out of shape to form suitable shape recess can reconnect accessory the time can comprise surfaction.In an example, can provide surfaction can reconnect accessory and the connection that connects between the substrate to improve, thereby reduce or eliminate any leakage.The limiting examples of the type of surfaction can comprise soft coating, hard coating, hydrophobic material, adhesive, high roughness surface (such as plasma etching or active-ion-etch surface), low roughness surface (such as through regions coated, polishing area), such as the physical features of screw thread.The type of surfaction can be depending on to reconnecting accessory and connecting the type of material that substrate is adopted.

In certain embodiments, the fluid connector device comprises force application element.This force application element is provided at and can reconnects accessory and the sealing force that connects between the substrate.In addition, force application element, can reconnect accessory and connect one or more frees degree that in the substrate at least one is provided for reconnecting the movement of accessory.Force application element provide can reconnect accessory along x, y or z in one or more frees degree.Force application element also can provide the one or more rotation in x, y or z axle to move to force application element.For example, force application element is realized can reconnecting the translation of accessory and/or rotating and move, and can reconnect the autoregistration of the geometry of accessory and suitable shape recess with realization.Like this, can reconnect accessory under the situation of definite position displacement, force application element can be conducive to can reconnect accessory and reconfigure the position of determining in suitable shape recess by applying reaction force, connects substrate and can reconnect sealing between the accessory to maintain.And the free degree that can reconnect the movement of accessory is conducive to the interior stress of delivery system, improves sealing property thus.

In one embodiment, the sealing force that is provided by force application element can make and can reconnect accessory or connect substrate or each distortion among both.Sealing force makes it possible to form fluid and gas-tight seal.In one embodiment, the substrate around suitable shape recess maybe can reconnect accessory or suitable shape recess can experience at least part of distortion with at least a portion that can reconnect accessory substrate on every side, so that leakproof seal to be provided.In an example, the substrate around the suitable shape recess can be experienced distortion with the shape that is configured in the part in the recess of acquisition accessory and leakproof seal is provided.Substrate around the suitable shape recess can be out of shape around the tapered ends that can reconnect accessory, so that leakproof seal to be provided around the tapered portion that can reconnect accessory.In an example, can reconnect accessory and connect substrate and can be made by PEEK, in this example, can reconnect accessory and connect substrate and can seal by heat treatment.

Force application element can be made by the material that can apply the power that can significantly not change when compressed several microns of the material.In other words, force application element can be made by the elastomeric material that the distortion of determining of the material of force application element can be converted to pro rata definite power.The non-limiting instance of force application element can comprise spring, lever-like structure, bend, based on the structure of gas (for example, flexible gas passage), based on the structure of vacuum, based on structure (for example, flexible fluid passage), pressure texture, hydraulic energy exchanger, air pressure transducer, magnetic transducer, electromagnetic transducer, thermal transducer, electric mechanical transducer, electrostatic transducer, mechanical transducer or its combination of fluid.The limiting examples of bend can comprise the shaft-like structure of resilient bars (for example, cantilever), U-shaped structure, v-shaped structure.Force application element can be connected to and can reconnect on the accessory by using buckle mechanism.

In one embodiment, in the operating period of fluid connector device, force application element can be to can reconnecting accessory or connect substrate or both apply continuous force, to maintain the leakproof seal that can reconnect between accessory and the substrate on every side of suitable shape recess.In another embodiment, force application element can provide discontinuous power.In this embodiment, force application element can provide power in one or more steps.For example, in a step, force application element can be provided at and can reconnect accessory and the sealing force that connects between the substrate, and second and last step (after the operation of fluid connector device) in, force application element can provide and can reconnect accessory and connect the power that substrate separates.Like this, power applies and can realize the reconnected accessory that makes up and the connection that connects substrate and separate both.In case separate, the fluid connector device can use for other device such as other micro-fluid chip.

Under the situation of the microfluid component that adopts two or more fluid connector devices, each can reconnect accessory can be relevant with corresponding force application element operation.Be among the embodiment of spring at force application element, each can reconnect accessory and be connected on the corresponding spring, and all springs are independently of one another desirable.In one embodiment, each can reconnect accessory mechanically separates with other accessory, to allow applying of independently autoregistration and constant force.

Except force application element, can reconnect accessory can be connected on the flange alternatively, to allow to reconnect a small amount of movement of accessory, such as the movement in the x-y plane, thereby is conducive to reconnect the autoregistration of accessory and suitable shape recess.

In certain embodiments, the fluid connector device can connect (such as clamping) to the supporting structure such as the structure of flat bearing plate, L shaped structure, U-shaped or clamping bearing, so that the fluid connector device is remained on the appropriate location.In one embodiment, this supporting structure can experience distortion.For example, under the situation that is shaped as bend of this supporting structure, supporting structure can be opened under distortion.Under the situation of the microfluid component that adopts two or more fluid connector devices, the fluid connector device can have shared or independent supporting structure.In an example, two or more fluid connector devices can be connected on the shared support plate.In another example, each in two or more fluid connector devices all can be clamped on the corresponding independent clamping bearing.In one embodiment, supporting structure can be made by metal, pottery, polymer or its combination.

In certain embodiments, the fluid connector device can separate with microfluid component.In these embodiments, can reconnect accessory is configured to for example separate with microfluidic device by shifting out or move away its substrate on every side from suitable shape recess.Subsequently, if necessary, the fluid connector device can connect again with microfluid component.

In certain embodiments, the fluid means of little manufacturing or microfluidic device can have for introducing to microfluidic device or from one or more ports of its withdrawn fluid.In addition, this microfluidic device can comprise be used to carrying out chemical analysis, chemical synthesis, fluid-mixing or from one or more passages of the mixture separated component that is communicated with the port fluid.In certain embodiments, microfluidic device can have the size in from picoliter (picolitre) to the scope of microlitre.The solution that the fluid connector device can rise microlitre and sub-micro quantity is introduced microfluidic device and is not leaked.In one embodiment, microfluidic device can be relevant with the external member operation such as passage, pump, valve, sensor, reative cell, particle separator and electronic installation.The fluid connector device can be implemented in the interface between microfluidic device and the member.

Microfluidic device can be made by any suitable material such as, but not limited to silica gel, glass or plastics.Microfluidic device can use such as, but not limited to the manufacturing technology of photoetching, etching, plating, thin film deposition, traditional processing, impression and combination and make.But the microchannel etching in microfluidic device, milling, impress or be molded in the surface of suitable substrates and etching that can be by another substrate being combined in first substrate or by being closed to produce microfluidic device on the seal side.

As used herein, " microfluid " passage or " microchannel " are the passages (for example, airtight groove, depression, pipeline or capillary) that is suitable for handling small volume of fluid.In one embodiment, the sub-segments of microchannel or microchannel can have the sectional dimension between about 0.1 micron and 1000 microns.Can regulate the width of microfluid passage and the degree of depth to be conducive to some application, for example, carry out that solution mixes, heat is isolated etc.

In certain embodiments, microfluidic device is the part of chip lab and adopts one or more microfluid passage.In an example, chip lab can comprise dish or the block of being made by the material of for example plastics (" chip "), wherein is formed with the microchannel.The sample of the microchannel of flowing through is led in the microchannel can be therein and the chamber of reagent reacting.Can see through transparent plate or block standing motionless as if facing a wall examine reaction the result and/or can be from the product of chip output-response to be further processed or to analyze.

Fig. 1 shows the microfluidic device 12 that has as the connection substrate, the fluid connector device 10 that can reconnect accessory 18 and force application element 16.Fluid connector device 10 can be used for outside liquid stream is connected with microfluidic device 12.In illustrated embodiment, microfluidic device 12 is formed by the device substrate 13 and 15 that is linked together.Although not shown, in certain embodiments, microfluidic device 12 can be formed by single substrate.Microfluidic device 12 also comprises the microfluid passage 14 that is configured between device substrate 13 and 15.Microfluid passage 14 can be the part of network (not shown) of the microfluid passage of microfluidic device 12.The non-limiting instance of microfluid passage 14 can be reactor, electrophoretic separation passage or liquid-phase chromatographic analysis post.In addition, can have other suitable hardware, for example electrode, pump etc. are with the application of implementing to be intended to, for example electrophoretic migration and/or separation or chromatographic isolation.Although not shown, in certain embodiments, fluid connector device 10 can be used for the passage of two independences of same microfluidic device 12 (not interconnection) is connected to each other, and is communicated with to allow the fluid between two autonomous channels.

Microfluidic device 12 comprises first surface 21 and second surface 23.The first surface 21 of microfluidic device 12 can limit one or more suitable shape recesses, such as recess 20.Although not shown, alternatively, suitable shape recess can limit (in order to being limited by two substrates) by second surface 23 or along the thickness of microfluidic device 12.In one embodiment, the material of microfluidic device 12 can comprise the material that can experience elasticity or plastic deformation, to provide from reconnecting accessory 18 to the leakproof fluid path of microfluidic device 12.In an example, the material of device substrate 13 can be configured to experience elasticity or plastic deformation, and device substrate 15 can or can not be configured to experience elasticity or plastic deformation.

In the time of in being configured in recess 20, can reconnecting accessory 18 restrictions and pass the first microscler path 19 of its extension, it is communicated with the corresponding port (not shown) fluid of one or more fluid lines 25 and microfluid passage 14.In one embodiment, fluid line 25 extends through path 19 with the corresponding port that enters microfluid passage 14 or extends into it and aims at.Accessory 18 be can reconnect and top 24, middle part 26 and following tapered end 28 comprised.Following tapered end 28 is sized to and is engaged in the recess 20.In one embodiment, can there be male thread portion at middle part 26.Path 19 extends along the length that can reconnect accessory 18.In one embodiment, path 19 preferably tapered end narrower (that is, comparing with the size at its 24 places on top), limits as the bottom 28 by accessory 18.Although in illustrated embodiment, have single central corridor 19 can reconnect accessory 18, but it should be noted, can reconnect accessory 18 and can have two or more paths.In illustrated embodiment, path 19 is and the central axis that can reconnect accessory 18 concentric cylindrical cavity roughly.Although not shown, in the embodiment that adopts a plurality of paths, these paths can be equidistantly spaced apart.For example, a plurality of paths can be arranged in the circle that centers on the central axis that can reconnect accessory 18, or arrange with another regular pattern.

Suitable shape recess 20 is made with difformity according to the shape that can reconnect accessory 18.Although with recess 20 with can reconnect accessory 18 and be shown as and have conical in shape, it should be noted that these two members can have any other suitable geometry.And recess 20 can be identical or different with the shape that can reconnect accessory 18.Under the situation of the microfluidic device 12 that adopts a plurality of recesses, recess can have identical or different shape.Desirable, accessory 18 and recess 20 are configured as the distal end that allows accessory 18 and extend certain distance in recesses 20.

Force application element 16 is provided at least in part and can reconnects accessory 18 and the sealing force that connects between the substrate 12.In operation, force application element 16 can be configured to maintain microfluidic device 12 and can reconnect interface between the accessory 18, though when accessory 18 from departing from being connected of the normal extension of device 12 or crooked.Force application element 16 also compensates by the fluid applied force that flows in order to keep sealing.Force application element 16 can be the biased helical spring form that urges accessory with the butt substrate.Typically, force application element 16 is compressed between accessory and the fixing or movable base portion.The Machine Design of force application element 16 can be configured to the application of force on the part that is enough to form the sealing of face as described in detail above that can tolerate high pressure of accessory 18.In an example, fluid connector device 10 can successfully be operated under the pressure in from about 0 bar to the scope of about 500 bar.In illustrated embodiment, force application element 16 is the springs that are configured on the external screw thread mid portion 26 that can reconnect accessory 18.

Force application element 16 makes fluid connector device 10 can bear high pressure conditions, and convection cell electrical connector 10 or microfluidic device 12 cause minimum physical damnification or do not cause physical damnification simultaneously.For example, force application element 16 can prevent undesired deformation or the movement of device substrate 13 under the situation that has high pressure (such as the high-tensile strength of the fluid that enters or leave fluid line), microfluidic device 12 and 15.In an example, force application element 16 can prevent any damage to installing 10 and 12 thus there being distortion at least in part under the situation of high pressure.

Each accessory of the present invention is expected at an end of holding elongate fluid line 25 in its path (for example, path 19), carries fluid to the microchannel of microfluidic device or from the device of its withdrawn fluid in order to provide.Pipeline 25 ideals are flexible, or otherwise have abundant length, make that accessory of the present invention is removable and engage with the substrate of microfluidic device and not interrupt flowing by pipeline 25 with separating in order to provide fully lax.In addition, the pipeline end that extends in the path of accessory of the present invention can be fixed to accessory, makes not exist between pipeline end and accessory to relatively move.Alternatively, the present invention expection, in certain embodiments, accessory of the present invention can be slidably be received in the end of pipeline 25 wherein, makes the amount of advancing in the path of accessory can not surpassed towards and away from advancing of substrate that it engaged by accessory.

Fig. 2 shows the method for assembling fluid connector device.In illustrated embodiment, connecting substrate is microfluidic device 32.Microfluidic device 32 comprises microfluid passage 34.Suitable shape recess 36 is formed in the microfluidic device 32.Be provided with and can reconnect accessory 38, it holds the microscler fluid line 42 (such as capillary) that limits the microscler path 40 that passes it.As shown in arrow 44, the power that applies is to be provided at the sealing that seals fluid that can reconnect between accessory 38 and the microfluidic device 32.In illustrated embodiment, power 44 is to be applied to can reconnect accessory 38 to be provided at the axial force that can reconnect the leakproof seal between accessory 38 and the recess 36.Path 40 is communicated with microfluid passage 34 leakproofs ground fluid then.When applying axial force 44, the part of the suitable shape recess 36 of the encirclement of microfluidic device 32 can experience elasticity or plastic deformation.Alternatively, the part that is configured in the recess 36 that can reconnect accessory 38 can experience elasticity or plastic deformation.In an example, the collapse around the wall of fitting shape recess 36 of device 32 forms leakproof seal.

Fig. 3 shows the example that can reconnect accessory 45.Shown in straight arrow 41,43 and 46, can reconnect accessory 45 when being suitable in being configured in suitable shape recess experience x, y or z in one or more on slight displacement.Except lateral displacement, can reconnect one or more a small amount of rotation that accessory 45 also is configured to experience along in x, y or the z axle and move, as by shown in the curved arrow 47,49 and 50.In certain embodiments, the movement that can wish the fluid connector device has the sufficient free degree.For example, can reconnect the translation of accessory and/or the autoregistration that the rotation movement can realize reconnecting the geometry of accessory and suitable shape recess.And the free degree that can reconnect the movement of accessory 45 is conducive to the stress in the delivery system, improves sealing property thus, thereby and avoids interaction between the fluid connector device.In addition, can reconnect that the translation of accessory and rotation are mobile also to be provided at the sealing that can reconnect between accessory and the micro-fluid chip.

Fig. 4-8 shows has the difform example that reconnects the embodiment of accessory.Fig. 4-8 shows the reconnected accessory 52 of conical in shape.Taper accessory 52 comprises be used to the path 54 that is provided at the fluid path between external device (ED) and the microfluidic device.In Fig. 4 and embodiment shown in Figure 5, path 54 is used as external device (ED) and microfluidic device and can reconnects fluid path between the accessory 52.But in the embodiment shown in fig. 6, path 56 adopts capillaries 58 to be provided at microfluidic device and can reconnect fluid path between the accessory 52.Typically, it is narrower to be used as the path of the comparable employing fluid line such as path 56 of the path (such as path 54) of fluid path.Fig. 7 shows the pyramid (pyramidal) with path 62 can reconnect accessory 60.Similarly, Fig. 8 shows the columnar accessory 64 that reconnects with path 66.Although not shown, the

accessory

64 and 66 of Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 also can adopt fluid line respectively.

Fig. 9 shows the simplification arrangement for the fluid connector device of the technology of the present invention.In illustrated embodiment, fluid connector device 72 engages and plays the effect that connects substrate and the microfluidic device 74 that limits suitable shape recess 76.Can reconnect accessory 78 is configured in the suitable shape recess 76.Can reconnect accessory 78 is connected on the force application element such as spring 80.Spring 80 can reconnect accessory 78 and be pushed in the suitable shape recess 76 and engage and offset with device 74 leakproofs ground and be used for making accessory 78 and device 74 perturbed forces of separating.Spring 80 also is connected on the support plate 82.For the slight displacement (δ) 86 of support plate 82, existence can reconnect correspondence distortion or the displacement (α) of the substrate of accessory 78 or microfluidic device 74, and it is generally by reference number 84 expressions.Typically, α 84 is more much smaller than δ 86.That is, can reconnect the slight displacement of accessory 78 in recess 76 and cause much bigger displacement in support plate 82.The displacement of support plate 82 (δ) 86 is converted into elastic force.This elastic force is used for maintaining the sealing that can reconnect between accessory 78 and the microfluidic device 74.Force application element spring 80 applied forces are proportional with the amount that can reconnect distortion that accessory 78 experiences or displacement (α) 86.The form that can reconnect the distortion of accessory 78 or displacement (α) 86 can be x, y and z in one or more on translation move, or around x, y and z in one or more rotations move, or both.In one embodiment, spring 80 can apply continuous pressure can reconnecting accessory 78, remains on desired locations in the suitable shape recess 76 can reconnect accessory 78.

In the alternative arrangement structure, Figure 10 shows fluid connector device 90.In illustrated embodiment, device 90 comprises microfluidic device 92, and it limits the microfluid passage 94 that is communicated with suitable shape recess 96 fluids of opening.End such as the force application element of spring 98 is connected on the microfluidic device 92.The other end of spring 98 is fixed to immovable fixture.Yet although not shown, the other end of spring 98 can be connected to movably on the supporting structure, but not is attached to immovable fixture, and this supporting structure can move along the y axle.In illustrated embodiment, microfluidic device 92 can be shown in arrow 100 along y to movement.In illustrated embodiment, it is integrally formed with supporting structure 104 to reconnect accessory 102.Can reconnect accessory 102 is configured in the suitable shape recess 96.In operation, can reconnect accessory 102 owing to being maintained at by spring 98 applied forces in the suitable shape recess 96.In addition, accessory 102 limits and passes its microscler path 103 and be placed in passage 94 leakproofs ground fluid and be communicated with.

Figure 11 shows force application element and is integrally formed in example in the microfluidic device 106.Microfluidic device 106 comprises first 110 and second portion 112, and it all limits microscler microfluid passage 11.But the part 112 of microfluidic device 106 comprises the lever-like structure that the elasticity as force application element departs from.In illustrated embodiment, this lever-like structure is cantilever 116.Although not shown, can use bend to replace cantilever 116.The part 110 of the 112 comparable microfluidic devices 116 of the part with cantilever 116 of microfluidic device 106 is narrower.Microfluidic device 106 limits suitable shape recess 118 in second portion 112.It is configurable in suitable shape recess 118 to reconnect accessory 120.Can reconnect that accessory 120 is connected on the support plate 122 and limit the microscler path 125 that passes it.The path 125 or fluid-transporting tubing (not shown) is contained in wherein, or can be placed in the fluid-transporting tubing fluid and be communicated with in order to travel to and fro between recess 118 conducting fluids.Support plate 122 places with passage 114 leakproofs ground fluid together with reconnecting that accessory 120 is configured to along y to mobile turnover recess 118 so that with path 125 and is communicated with.The displacement (δ) that can reconnect accessory 120 and microfluidic device 112 causes bending 124 or the displacement (δ ') of cantilever 116, and because the material behavior of microfluidic device 116 produces elastic force (F).The elastic force of Chan Shenging is conducive to reconnect accessory 120 and maintains in the suitable shape recess 118 like this, and can form microfluidic device 116 and/or can reconnect the distortion (α) of accessory 120.

Figure 12 shows the fluid connector assembly 130 that engages the microfluidic device 132 with a plurality of suitable shape recesses 134 collaboratively.Microfluidic device 132 is connected on the base portion 135 of horizontal arrangement of L shaped retainer 136.Support plate 138 connects slidably with the upright arm 137 along L shaped retainer 136 and moves.Shown in arrow 140, support plate 138 is configured at L shaped retainer 136 upper edge y to movement.Fluid connector device assembly 130 also comprises the reconnected accessory 142 that is connected on the corresponding force application element 144.Can reconnect accessory 142 and all limit the microscler path that passes wherein, to the microchannel conveying fluid that extends from each recess 134 or from its conducting fluid.Can reconnect accessory 142 and have the free degree (translation and rotation) that makes progress at x, y and z.Support plate 138 can move back and forth up and down along the arm 137 of L shaped retainer 136, is configured in the corresponding suitable shape recess 134 of microfluidic device 132 each can be reconnected accessory 142.Sealing force can be by support plate 138 is pressed to device 132 so that compressing member 144 and accessory 142 further is pushed in their recesses 134 separately provides.In operation, the compression of the movement of support plate 138 or force application element 144 or stretching, extension can adapt to the undesirable power that produces in assembly.

Figure 13 shows the embodiment that comprises as the fluid connector device 150 of the bend 152 of power conversion device.In illustrated embodiment, bend 152 is bends of U-shaped, yet, within the scope of the invention, also imagine other shape, such as, but not limited to L shaped, V-arrangement.Bend 152 at one end 154 places is fixed, and the other end 156 is freely.Bend 152 has the reconnected accessory 158 that more close free end 156 connects.Can reconnect in the accessory 158 implantable bends 152 or extend through bend 152.For example, can reconnect in the accessory 158 configurable cavity (not shown) in being formed on bend 152.Alternatively, can reconnect accessory 158 can separate with bend 152, and this bend 158 can physically be connected on the bend 152 to form fluid connector device 150.For example, can reconnect accessory 158 can connect, such as being threaded or being combined on the part of bend 152.Power F can be applied to the reconnected accessory 158 in the suitable shape recess 160 that is configured in the microfluidic device 162.Can reconnect accessory 158 restrictions and pass its path, in order to admit an end of microscler fluid line 164.Therefore fluid line 164 can be placed in and install 162 leakproofs ground, the microchannel fluids that limit and is communicated with, and this device 162 and recess 160 fluids are opened communicatively.The location that can reconnect the free end 156 of accessory 158 more close bends 152 can be provided at the free degree and the rotatablely moving along these three directions that x, y and z make progress.Bend 152 in Figure 13 is shown as and is in deviation position, and wherein accessory 158 is seated in the recess 160.Alternatively, the present invention expects that bend 152 can biasedly be seated in the recess 160 to keep accessory 158, and making will need to make accessory throw off (unseat) to the bend application of force.

Referring now to Figure 14, fluid connector device 170 comprises the microfluidic device 172 on the arm 176 that is configured in carriage 174.In illustrated embodiment, carriage 174 is foursquare carriages, yet, also imagine other shape of carriage within the scope of the invention, as long as the containing to bend is provided.Foursquare carriage 174 is also as support plate.Bend such as the bend 178 of U-shaped can be configured in accessory 180 in the suitable shape recess that is limited by microfluidic device 172.Bend 178 is by the elastic force of himself, is maintained in the carriage 174 such as fastening or clamping force, and therefore do not need fixedly to be anchored to carriage 174.The free end 184 of U-shaped bend 178 can be used for applying the sealing force that can reconnect accessory 180 and microfluidic device 172 for sealing.Although not shown, it should be understood that other shape of imagining bend 178 within the scope of the invention.In Figure 14, bend 178 is shown as it is inserted in the carriage 174, wherein free end 184 departs from order to allow in the bend 178 insertion carriages 174 towards accessory 180.In case in place, free end 184 does not just return (by dotted line 186 expressions) towards departing from state, abuts butt framework 174 up to it.Similarly, accessory 180 will depart from into recess 182 places with the device 172 lead sealings engage.Therefore the normal elasticity bias voltage of bend 184 will keep accessory 180 to engage with device 172 couplings at recess 182 places.Removing bend 184 from carriage 174 is that both do not engage to finish with carriage 174 and device 172 towards offset straight each other to the both by making free end 184 and accessory 180.

Referring now to Figure 15 and 16, connect substrate 190 and limit in a row suitable shape recess 192.Figure 15 has described the cross section that recess is arranged in wherein substrate 190 linearly, and the top view of row's's (or linearity two row that become to depart from) that Figure 16 has described to become staggered recess 190.Although in illustrated embodiment, will fit shape recess 192 and all be shown as and be of similar shape and size, it should be noted that suitable shape recess 192 can have difformity and/or size according to the needs of the microfluidic device (not shown) of below.In illustrated embodiment, recess 192 whole tapered shapes.Have conical in shape although recess 192 is shown as, it should be noted that any other geometry that provides with the interference fit that can reconnect accessory can be provided recess 192.The present invention expects that the cone angle of cone can change as required for application-specific.In addition, different recesses can have identical or different cone angle according to the angle that recess is designed to the tapered portion of the reconnected accessory admitted.Connecting substrate 190 can be planar substrates.The shape and size of planar substrates can change according to the shape of the microfluidic device of below.According to the port density of microfluidic device, it is configurable in part or all recess 192 to reconnect the accessory (not shown).

Figure 17 shows the fluid connector assembly 200 with a plurality of fluid connector devices 202.Fluid connector device 202 comprises can reconnect accessory 208.Connector assembly 200 be provided at accessory 208 with such as the joint that cooperates between the connection substrate of micro-fluid chip 210.Chip 210 limits a plurality of suitable shape recess 214 that is communicated with microfluid passage network (illustrating with the hacures) fluid that is also limited by chip 210.Fluid connector device 202 operationally is connected on the force application element 218 via reconnecting accessory 208.Force application element 218 is the springs that can flexibly depart from, and such as helical spring, annular flange flange and the other end of one termination trap pipe 216 engage the flat bearing plate 206 that each accessory 208 extends through.Accessory 208 can stick in the sleeve pipe 216 by traditional means, such as by adhesive in conjunction with or outer surface by being respectively formed at them and the coupling screw thread on the inner surface.Fluid line 211 extends through the path in can reconnecting accessory 208 and is communicated with in order to can set up with the leakproof ground fluid of the recess 214 of they micro-fluid chips 210 separately.As indicated above, fluid line 211 ideals are formed by flexible conduit, one end is fixed in the accessory 208, provide fully lax and flexible with allow accessory towards with movement away from chip 210, and can be used for fluid intake and the fluid issuing of micro-fluid chip 210.

In addition, desirable being configured in of sleeve pipe 216 makes around the accessory 208 free end (that is chip join end) of accessory pass it outstandingly to be connected to mate with its respective recess 214 in device 210.Therefore sleeve pipe 216 engages an end of force application element 218, and opposite end fish plate 206.In its simplest form, sleeve pipe 216 is attached annular edge edges of free end of contiguous accessory 208.As shown in the figure, sleeve pipe 216 comprises the microscler cylindrical body of support lug at one end, and spring 218 provides one or more frees degree that can reconnect accessory 208.For example, flange 216 can make can reconnect accessory 208 can have along the y axis linear move, mobile or one or more in the inclination of x or z axle is moved around z axle rotation.Flange 216 is desirable to be configured to sealing force is passed to from force application element 218 and can to reconnect accessory 208.Force application element 218 against 206 effects of micro-fluid chip 210 and support plate helps to keep continuously the sealing that seals fluid, especially when fluid connector experiences the pressure of certain limit and/or temperature.

In one embodiment, support plate 206 is movably.In this embodiment, support plate 206 can be configured to along y to make and to cause each spring 218 to promote in order to accessory 208 is urged in the recess 214 of its corresponding chip 210 in the respective flanges of its respective sleeve 216 to moving towards chip 210.In case accessory 208 is seated in the recess 214 of their chips 210 separately, plate 206 just will make spring 218 compressions towards the continuous movement of chip 210.The movement of support plate 206 is therefore along with accessory 208 causes in the sealing force that can reconnect between accessory 208 and the micro-fluid chip 210 with the continuous movement that engages opposing plate 206 of chip 210.Therefore spring 218 will compress and promote accessory and engage continuously with chip 210 at the recess place of each joint.Alternatively, support plate 206 can be maintained at the fixed position and chip 210 is moved towards it.Under any circumstance, the invention provides relatively moving in order to make element 218 compressions and be provided for the engaging force that its accessory 208 enters the respective recess 214 of chip 210 between chip 210 and support plate 206.

The present invention expection can reconnect accessory 208 and pass hole (not shown) in the support plate 206.The desirable size of these holes in support plate 206 strengthens in order to allow each accessory 208 necessarily departing from around its vertical (y) axis in its corresponding hole.Hole in support plate 206 also can be sized to the some parts that allows sleeve pipe 216 similarly and extend through wherein, still provides simultaneously enough gap to adapt to departing from from axle of accessory 208.Spring 218 will maintain each accessory 208 and engage with leakproof between the chip 210, that is, its longitudinal axis is crooked relatively to make accessory.Alternatively, can use securing member such as securing member 212 can reconnect accessory 208 and remain on the appropriate location.In an example, securing member 212 can comprise circlip (circlip), and it is the securing member that comprises the half flexible metal ring with openend.Expection securing member 212 antagonistic spring devices 218 are in order to prevent that whole accessory 218 pullings are by its hole (that is, towards chip 210) in support plate 206.Securing member is strips for joint parts 208 or sleeve pipe 216 (towards an end relative with the end of annular flange flange) collaboratively.At least this part of support plate 206 can be positioned on micro-fluid chip 210 directly over so that not can such as micro-fluid chip 210, can reconnect the stress that forms damageability in the member of assembly such as accessory 208 and concentrate.

Advantageously, the different power of being correlated with different force application elements 218 separated from one another owing to reconnecting accessory 208 uses force application element 218 independent and disconnected from each other to each.It is more accurate to exert all one's strength the separating of the different power relevant with different force application elements 218, and avoids between accessory 208 otherwise can cause the interaction that fluid leaks.In addition, because it is independent of one another to reconnect accessory 208, can reconnect that one or more in the accessory 208 experience translation or rotation is mobile to keep the sealing that seals fluid.In addition, the separation that can reconnect accessory 208 has prevented the interference to the movement that can reconnect the reconnected accessory that accessory 208 produces owing to other.That is the movement that can reconnect accessory 208 is independent of each other.And, can reconnect accessory 208 originally undesirable reaction force of experience or any other the extra power in assembly accessory 208 is independent of one another to be reduced or eliminates because each can reconnect.

One or more in can reconnecting accessory 208 move away under the situation of definite position, can reconnect the autoregistration in the suitable shape recess 214 of correspondence of accessory 208 constructions costs.In certain embodiments, force application element 218 allows to reconnect accessory 208 along the moving freely of y axle, to realize the reconnecting autoregistration of accessory 208 in the suitable shape recess 214 of correspondence.In one embodiment, the movement of flange 216 (inclination, rotation, translation) allows to reconnect a small amount of movement (such as the movement in the x-z plane) of accessory 208.It is desirable that this type of that can reconnect accessory 208 moves for the autoregistration that can reconnect accessory 208 and corresponding suitable shape recess 214.

Sleeve pipe 216 can be formed by the submissive material such as elastomer, metal, sintering metal or polymer.Sleeve pipe 216 can be by making such as the fluoropolymer of ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene resin (ETFE), perfluoroalkoxy resin (PFA), polyflon (PTFE) and fluorinated ethylene-propylene olefine resin (FEP).Employed any material ideal allows the flange of sleeve pipe 216 formation substantially rigids, to be used for combined spring device 218, namely in order to tolerate the elastic force that applies by force application element 218 butt flanges.Alternatively, by suitably determining the fluid connector device 202 of size, can be not do not provide axial force to form according to sealing of the present invention such as the elastomeric element of sleeve pipe 216.In all embodiments, force application element 218 helps to keep the sealing that seals fluid when being connected continuously when forming with chip 210, especially when the pressure of fluid connector experience certain limit and/or temperature, even and accessory 208 crooked in the longitudinal extension of himself.

In one embodiment, the axial force that is used to form sealing can produce by making support plate 206 shift to micro-fluid chip 210.When support plate 206 is shifted to micro-fluid chip 210, force application element 218 is the application of force on the flange of sleeve pipe 216, therefore this power is delivered to from sleeve pipe 216 and is installed in reconnected accessory wherein 208, and be delivered to then micro-fluid chip 210 with the surf zone place around port 220 form seal fluid the face sealing.

As shown in Figure 18, fluid connector device 230 can adopt the form of the adapter tackling of repacking in traditional microfluidic device 232 to provide.This adapter tackling is reusable or disposable.Microfluidic device 232 comprises microfluid passage 234.In illustrated example, pipeline 236 and microfluid passage 234 combinations as representing by reference number 238 are to be connected to external device (ED) on the microfluidic device 232.Fluid connector device 230 comprises the connection substrate 240 with first surface 252 and opposing second surface 254.First surface 252 limits suitable shape recess 242, and second surface comprises structure (such as hole 256), and two opposite ends of the path 258 of substrate 240 restrictions are passed in its formation.Therefore pipeline 236 passes the connection substrate 240 that is configured on the microfluidic device 232.Can use such as, but not limited to being threaded or chemically combined traditional combination technology will connect substrate 240 and be connected on the microfluidic device 232.In one embodiment, connect substrate 240 thickness 244 can from about 500 microns to about 200 millimeters scope.The degree of depth of recess 242 can be depending on the thickness between microfluidic device 232 and microfluid passage 234, and the size that can reconnect accessory 246.The degree of depth of recess 242 can from about 500 microns to about 10 millimeters scope.In one embodiment, the degree of depth of recess 242 is less than or equal to the thickness 244 that connects substrate 240.Can reconnect accessory 246 is configured in the recess 242.Fluid connector device 230 also adopts force application element 248 to be provided at can reconnect accessory 246 and the sealing force that connects between the substrate 240.In addition, fluid line 250 passes can reconnect accessory 246 and utilize fluid connector device 230 and be connected on the pipeline 236 to be provided at microfluid passage 234 and is communicated with fluid between the external device (ED).Although not shown, in one embodiment, can reconnect accessory 246 path that can be used for providing microfluid passage 234 to be communicated with fluid between the external device (ED) self can be provided.In such an embodiment, can not need fluid line 250.

Reversibly the fluid connector device 230 of Lian Jieing make it possible to minimum to the change of existed system or do not change and in new or existing (tradition) system repacking fluid connector device 230.And under the situation of any component failure of fluid connector device 230, this device can separate with microfluid system, and another fluid connector device or same fluid connector device can be connected on the microfluid system after the repairing.

Although not shown, in one embodiment, the adapter tackling can be used for reagent storage device, transfer groove, transfer and/or reactive tank are connected on the midget plant such as microfluidic device 232.In an example, the reagent storage device with tapered end can be used as and can reconnect accessory 246.Adapter tackling of the present invention connects substrate 240 desirable comprising at least, it comprises first first type surface 252 that limits suitable shape recess 242, the opposite second major surface 254 that limits hole 256, and is limited to the path 258 that fluid extends communicatively between recess 242 and the hole 256.Recess 242 is sized to strips for joint parts 246 collaboratively, and hole 256 is desirable and decide size and become on microfluid passage overlapping alignment ground in the border of apparatus surface upper shed to extend.This tackling can comprise pipeline 236 in addition, and it is sized to be combined with the access portal of installing and to seal fluid and extends through path 258 communicatively or extend in the path 258, makes fluid to advance and flow out and can not leak from recess 242 from passage 234.This tackling also can comprise for the adhesive that pipeline 236 is fixed on the appropriate location.Therefore, all tackling members all are suitable for allowing to engage with accessory of the present invention and non-suitable shape microfluidic device.

Under the prerequisite that does not depart from the scope of the present invention, other remodeling is possible.For example, each can reconnect accessory and can connect, for example be clamped on the independent supporting member, so that required intensity to be provided to system, and the fluid connector device is remained on the appropriate location.Advantageously, the reconnecting property of the fluid connector device in this system and flexibility need still less with such as the relevant calibration of undesirable environmental perturbations such as vibration.

The invention provides some advantages, it is useful for using microfluidic device to carry out chemical analysis and synthesizing.For example, fluid connector device of the present invention provides the seal of whole extension can crossing over fluid line substantially, reduces the fluid dead volume between the port of the end of fluid line and microfluidic device thus to greatest extent.In addition, fluid connector of the present invention provides and can easily remove and reusable low cost, high-pressure sealing ring.In addition, the invention provides self aligned connection, it is easy to be suitable for having the high independent microchip assembly that cooperates density.

The fluid connector device can use also in conjunction with the packing that is easy to design and make for the microfluidic device of many types.In addition, owing to used standard fitting (can reconnect accessory), make the connection arrangement of other type of coupling become simple.Other advantage comprises easy installation, do not need epoxy resin or adhesive, do not need instrument and connect fast with separate, the little area of coverage, leakproof and high workload pressure.Owing to these reasons, even fluid connector device of the present invention has the potentiality that become for the connector standards of the microfluidic device that also can reequip in existing system.

Though only illustrate in the literary composition and described some feature of the present invention, those skilled in the art will expect many remodeling and change.Therefore, it should be understood that the claims intention contains all this transformation and changes that fall in the true spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. fluid connector device comprises:

Connect substrate, it comprises suitable shape recess;

Can reconnect accessory, it is configured in the described suitable shape recess so that path to be provided;

Force application element, it operationally is connected to described reconnect accessory or described connection substrate or described reconnecting in accessory and the described connection substrate, to provide sealing force at the described accessory that reconnects between the substrate with described the connection at least in part, wherein, described force application element, described at least one that reconnects in accessory and the described connection substrate comprise the self aligned one or more frees degree that reconnect accessory and described suitable shape recess for described.

2. fluid connector device according to claim 1 is characterized in that, described one or more frees degree comprise translation freedoms or rotary freedom or translation freedoms and rotary freedom.

3. fluid connector device according to claim 1 is characterized in that, the described accessory that reconnects is connected on the described suitable shape recess removedly.

4. fluid connector device according to claim 3 is characterized in that, describedly reconnects accessory and described suitable shape recess comprises self-locking mechanism.

5. fluid connector device according to claim 1 is characterized in that, described suitable shape recess comprises conical in shape, parabolic shape, trapezoidal shape, pyramidal shape, semi-spherical shape, drum or its combination.

6. fluid connector device according to claim 1, it is characterized in that, the described accessory that reconnects comprises the convergent geometry, and wherein, described convergent geometry comprises conical in shape, parabolic shape, trapezoidal shape, pyramidal shape, semi-spherical shape, drum or its combination.

7. fluid connector device according to claim 1 is characterized in that, described suitable shape recess is pre-formed in described connection substrate.

8. fluid connector device according to claim 1 is characterized in that, described connection substrate or describedly reconnect accessory or described connection substrate and described a part of elasticity or the plastic deformation that reconnects accessory.

9. fluid connector device according to claim 1 is characterized in that, describedly reconnects accessory or described connection substrate or describedly reconnects accessory and described connection substrate comprises metal, semiconductor, pottery, polymer or its combination.

10. fluid connector device according to claim 1, it is characterized in that, describedly reconnect accessory or described connection substrate or describedly reconnect accessory and described connection substrate comprises dimethyl silicone polymer, hexafluoropropene (HFP) and vinylidene fluoride (VDF or VF ₂) copolymer, tetrafluoroethene (TFE), vinylidene fluoride (VDF) and hexafluoropropene (HFP) terpolymer, perfluoro methyl vinyl ether (PMVE), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK), polypropylene, poly-(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polyethylene, olefin copolymer, modification (ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene) fluoropolymer (ETFE), PEI, cyclic olefine copolymer (COC) or its combination.

11. fluid connector device according to claim 1 is characterized in that, described suitable shape concave depth from about 500 microns to the scope of about 10 mm.

12. fluid connector device according to claim 1 is characterized in that, described suitable shape recess or the described accessory or described suitable shape recess and described at least a portion that reconnects accessory of reconnecting comprise surfaction.

13. fluid connector device according to claim 12 is characterized in that, described surfaction comprises hard coating, soft coating, hydrophobic material, adhesive, reaction etching surface, surface, polished surface, physical features or its combination through applying.

14. fluid connector device according to claim 1 is characterized in that, the described accessory that reconnects comprises a plurality of paths.

15. fluid connector device according to claim 14 is characterized in that, the one or more fluid lines that include in described a plurality of paths.

16. fluid connector device according to claim 1, it is characterized in that, described fluid connector device also comprises and is connected to described connection substrate or described accessory or described connection substrate and the described supporting structure that reconnects on the accessory of reconnecting, wherein, described supporting structure remains on the appropriate location with described connection substrate or the described accessory or described connection substrate and the described accessory that reconnects of reconnecting.

17. fluid connector device according to claim 1, it is characterized in that, described fluid connector device comprises also and operationally is connected to the described flange that reconnects on the accessory that wherein, described flange provides the described one or more frees degree that reconnect accessory.

18. fluid connector device according to claim 1, it is characterized in that described force application element comprises spring, lever-like structure, bend, based on the structure of gas, based on the structure of vacuum, structure, pressure texture, hydraulic energy exchanger, air pressure transducer, magnetic transducer, electromagnetic transducer, thermal transducer, electric mechanical transducer, electrostatic transducer, mechanical transducer or its combination based on fluid.

19. fluid connector device according to claim 1 is characterized in that, described connection substrate is the device substrate that comprises microfluid passage.

20. fluid connector device according to claim 1 is characterized in that the second surface of described connection substrate is configured in the device substrate.

21. fluid connector device according to claim 1 is characterized in that, a described part that reconnects accessory fully is pressed against the sealing that seals fluid on the part of described suitable shape recess with formation.

22. fluid connector device according to claim 21 is characterized in that, the described seal configurations that seals fluid becomes tolerance up to the pressure of about 500 bar.

23. a fluid connector assembly comprises

Connect substrate, it has first surface and second surface, and described connection substrate comprises one or more suitable shape recesses at described first surface;

One or more accessories that reconnect, it is arranged in the described suitable shape recess at least in part, to be provided at described microfluidic device and the described path that reconnects between the accessory, makes the described accessory that reconnects be communicated with described microfluidic device fluid;

Force application element, it is provided at described accessory or described connection substrate or described accessory and the described connection substrate sealing force between the two of reconnecting of reconnecting at least in part, and wherein, described force application element, described at least one that reconnects in accessory and the described connection substrate comprise the self aligned one or more frees degree that reconnect accessory and described suitable shape recess for described; And

Supporting structure, it is operatively related with described force application element.

24. fluid connector assembly according to claim 23 is characterized in that, described supporting structure comprises flat bearing plate, L shaped structure, structure, clamping bearing or its combination of U-shaped.

25. fluid connector assembly according to claim 23 is characterized in that, described fluid connector assembly also comprises and is configured in the described flange that reconnects on the accessory.

26. one kind is used for to the microfluidic device introducing and/or from its adapter tackling that extracts fluid, described adapter tackling comprises:

Connect substrate, it has first surface and second surface, and wherein, described first surface comprises suitable shape recess;

Can reconnect accessory, it is configured in the described recess to be provided for first path of one or more fluid lines;

Force application element, it is provided at described accessory or described connection substrate or described accessory and the described connection substrate sealing force between the two of reconnecting of reconnecting at least in part, and wherein, described force application element, described at least one that reconnects in accessory and the described connection substrate comprise the self aligned one or more frees degree that reconnect accessory and described suitable shape recess for described.

27. adapter tackling according to claim 26 is characterized in that the second surface of described connection substrate comprises the structure for pipeline.